Voice from the past: Albert Belle doesn't like Sabathia trade

AP file photoAlbert Belle on today's baseball and the Sabathia trade: "There are a lot of people on teams making a lot of bad decisions. You don't always have to spend a lot of money. Look at what Billy Beane does in Oakland."

Detroit --- Hot-tempered Albert Belle, the former Tribe slugger, called to voice his displeasure with the CC Sabathia trade to Milwaukee.

"Imagine that, the Cleveland Indians trade away another great player because they didn't want to pay him," said Belle from his home in Arizona. "The saga continues."

Belle left the Indians after the 1996 season and signed a five-year, $55 million contract with the White Sox. At the time it was the biggest deal in baseball.

"When is Larry Dolan going to sell the club?" said Belle. "I could buy a piece of it. There are a lot of people on teams making a lot of bad decisions. You don't always have to spend a lot of money. Look at what Billy Beane does in Oakland."

Asked if he wanted to get back into the game, Belle said, "I want to be an owner. The Mariners called me and wanted me to come to spring training as a roving hitting coach. But they were going to pay me peanuts."

Belle, married with three daughters, spends most of his time golfing.

"I'm a golf pro," said Belle, with a laugh. "At least in my mind I am."

Belle said he tried to buy pieces of the Cavs and Dodgers without success.

Told the Indians have no power with the exception of Grady Sizemore, Belle said, "They got rid of three of us, Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez and me."